I've read some of the comments below and just have to ask: did you really read the entire post?

If you want to know, at least in part, if this is common in the auto industry I suggest looking at the various universities and partnerships with OEM's and look at the number of paid for research projects that are just collecting dust on some professors shelf.

I invite you to read this as part of the answer(s) you are looking for.

You find stupid sexy?

I'm glad you said it, no one else seems to have(sorry if you did and I missed you). Makes for great video but I would fire his ass on the spot. How do you not get sued making a dumb ass move like that? He and the company are fortunate it wasn't just some 'nobody' at the side of the road.

The only thing you got wrong was putting the BMW i3 second and not first.

Not sure what happened here, I will try again later....

DownTheLiffeyOnADonut and SennaMP4 are the only ones who got this right: sorry if you also picked the BMW i3 and I missed you.

I actually have some first hand and direct experience in the political drama and outcomes of executive boards in major car companies, one in particular. No it's not GM.

To understand this fight, you must understand and know the history behind Franchise Law in America.

After reading most of the comments the general consensus seems to be four distinct 'winners' in the contest: One the Toyota Camary. Two, Nissan Versa, Three, and it's a tie for me, The VW Jetta or Golf. Sorry but I hate the Golf. I know it's built well and the GTI can be good/great but overall I just despise this car.…

Hmmmm, a couple of things:

I have a question for some of you. I know it may offend many of you but here it goes:

Not only do Land Rovers go to Malaysia to die, so do entire car companies.

Sorry it took a day to get back too you. I haven't driven the newest Shelby's and I don't get press cars like I used too. While still in the media, kind of, I have taken on a new role in a start-up company that means getting press invites to launch events is rare.

Didn't feel any snap, no worries: unless you were talking about the driving dynamics:)

CobraJoe I agree with everything you say, almost. The original 64.5 Mustang, the V6 remember, was meant to be more of that Euro sports car. Even the GT with it's 289 wasn't the muscle car it would become. Remember, it's called a 'Pony" car for a reason and a 'Muscle' car is some different yet again.

I am no Mustang fan to be honest but, I think like most, I love the looks, the heritage, the overall cool factor and Bullitt. Pretty much anything Steve McQueen touched is 'uber' cool.

It was really a historical reference to imperial British law, standards and practices of the time of the American Revolution. America went to war with Britain over the 'class' system of government and representation.

Good to see lots of comments on this post but it means I didn't get to them all. So if I ask this question and you have answered it below I apologize now.